Unveiling the Numbers: How Much Bank Tellers Make

Spartanfit
7 min readOct 29, 2023

--

Bank tellers are the frontline employees of banks. They handle customer transactions, such as deposits, withdrawals, and money transfers. But how much do they earn for their work? In this section, we will explore the average salaries of bank tellers, their wages, and compensation.

Bank teller salaries can vary depending on various factors such as experience, location, and job responsibilities. For someone who is considering a career as a bank teller, it is crucial to know the salary ranges for entry-level positions and to understand the growth potential and increased earnings with more experience.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bank teller salary can vary depending on several factors such as experience, location, and job responsibilities.
  • Entry-level bank tellers can expect a salary range between $10 to $15 per hour.
  • Bank teller’s salary increases with experience, and one can expect to earn a higher salary with more years in the industry.
  • Bank tellers’ wages are affected by the cost of living in their work region. Bank tellers working in urban areas may earn more than those working in rural areas.
  • Bank tellers may receive additional compensation such as bonuses, retirement plans, and health insurance.

Factors Affecting Bank Teller Salaries

Several factors, including experience, skills, location, job responsibilities, and qualifications, influence a bank teller’s salary. To better understand the typical bank teller’s salary, it’s crucial to delve into these factors in greater detail.

Experience

Experience is a significant factor that can impact a bank teller’s earnings. The average entry-level bank teller salary is around $12 per hour, while experienced bank tellers can earn up to $18 per hour. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for bank tellers is $31,230 as of May 2020.

As bank tellers gain more experience, they can expect to earn higher wages. This is because experienced bank tellers possess skills and knowledge that banks highly value. They are also more efficient in their job, making them more productive and contributing to their earning potential.

Skills

The skills possessed by a bank teller can also influence their earnings. Bank tellers with skills such as customer service, cash handling, and sales are usually highly valued by banks. These skills are essential for performing the duties of a bank teller effectively, and they can contribute to higher pay and better career prospects.

Location

The location of a bank teller’s job can impact their earnings significantly. For instance, bank tellers working in major cities or high-cost areas can expect to earn higher wages than those working in rural or low-cost areas. The cost of living and demand for bank tellers vary across different regions, leading to variations in their earnings.

Job Responsibilities and Qualifications

The specific job responsibilities and qualifications of a bank teller can impact their salary significantly. Bank tellers who take on additional duties, such as managing customer accounts or supervising other employees, can expect to earn higher wages. Additionally, qualifications such as making a college degree or obtaining a professional certification can also increase a bank teller’s earning potential.

Average Bank Teller Pay by Experience

Bank tellers often need more prior experience to enter the banking industry, and their earning potential typically increases as they gain experience. According to Payscale, the national average salary for bank tellers in the United States is $30,000 annually, with the typical wage ranging from $23,000 to $39,000 annually.

As per experience level, entry-level bank tellers with less than one year of experience earn an average of $12.57 per hour, which translates to an annual salary of approximately $25,000. On the other hand, bank tellers with 1–4 years of experience earn an average hourly wage of $13.91, while those with 5–9 years of experience earn around $14.39 per hour. Experienced bank tellers with 10–19 years of experience make about $15.15 per hour, and those with 20+ years of experience earn an average hourly wage of $16.23.

Experience Level Average Hourly Wage Average Annual Salary

Less than one year $12.57 $25,000

1–4 years $13.91 $27,820

5–9 years $14.39 $28,776

10–19 years $15.15 $30,300

20 or more years $16.23 $32,460

It’s worth noting that experience isn’t the only factor that contributes to a bank teller’s salary. Job performance, education, and location can also play a part in determining their compensation. For example, those with additional qualifications, such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, may be eligible for higher pay. Similarly, bank tellers working in high-cost-of-living areas or branches with higher banking activity may earn more than those in lower-cost or less busy areas.

Bank tellers often use their early years in the banking industry as a stepping stone to higher-level positions, such as loan officer or branch manager. These higher-paying roles typically require more experience, education, and certifications. Therefore, bank tellers can use their early years to gain experience, acquire new skills, and network with others in the banking industry to advance their careers and increase their earning potential.

Bank Teller Salaries by Region

Bank teller salaries can vary significantly based on geographic location. This section explores the different earnings potential for bank tellers across various regions.

Cost of Living Impact on Bank Teller Salaries

The cost of living can play a significant role in bank teller salaries, with higher wages needed in regions with a higher cost of living. For example, in New York City, where the cost of living is relatively high, the average annual salary for a bank teller is around $35,000 to $40,000. In contrast, in a smaller city like Des Moines, Iowa, the average yearly wage for a bank teller is approximately $29,000 to $32,000.

Demand for Bank Tellers by Region

The demand for bank tellers can vary by region, with some areas having a higher demand for these professionals than others. Regions with higher demand tend to have higher salaries as banks compete for qualified professionals. For example, in California, where there is high demand for bank tellers, the average annual wage for a bank teller is around $35,000 to $40,000.

Regional Differences in Bank Teller Wages

RegionAverage Annual Salary

West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington) $35,000 to $40,000

East Coast (New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts) $35,000 to $40,000

Midwest (Illinois, Ohio, Michigan) $30,000 to $35,000

South (Texas, Florida, Georgia) $28,000 to $32,000

As shown in the table above, bank teller wages can vary significantly by region. While salaries on the West and East coasts tend to be higher, the Midwest and South have lower average wages for bank tellers.

Overall, it is clear that geographic location is an essential factor to consider when evaluating bank teller salaries. Professionals in regions with higher demand and a higher cost of living tend to earn more, while those with less demand and a lower cost of living tend to make less.

Conclusion

In conclusion, bank tellers play a critical role in the banking industry and are responsible for various financial transactions. As discussed in this article, bank teller salaries vary based on several factors, including experience, location, job responsibilities, and qualifications. Entry-level bank tellers can expect to earn an average salary of around $25,000 annually, while those with more experience can earn up to $40,000 or more. Additionally, bank tellers in high-demand regions may earn more than those in lower-demand areas.

It is essential to note that bank tellers are often eligible for various benefits, including healthcare, retirement plans, and paid time off, which can contribute to their overall compensation. Overall, becoming a bank teller can be a fulfilling career choice, with opportunities for growth and increased earnings over time. While salaries may vary based on different factors, bank tellers remain an essential part of the banking industry and are crucial to providing customers with quality service and financial expertise.

FAQ

What is the average salary of a bank teller?

The average salary of a bank teller varies depending on factors such as experience, location, and qualifications. On average, bank tellers earn around $30,000 to $35,000 annually.

What factors can affect a bank teller’s salary?

Several factors can impact a bank teller’s salary. These include their level of experience, skills, location, job responsibilities, and qualifications. The more knowledge and skills a bank teller has, the higher their potential for earning a higher salary.

How does experience affect a bank teller’s pay?

Bank teller salaries can increase with experience. Entry-level bank tellers may start at a lower salary, while those with more experience can earn higher wages. As bank tellers gain more experience in the industry, they may qualify for promotions and higher-paying positions.

Are bank teller salaries different in various regions?

Yes, bank teller salaries can vary by region. Factors such as the cost of living and the demand for bank tellers can influence the wages offered in different areas. Generally, regions with higher living costs may offer higher salaries to compensate for the increased expenses.

What is the conclusion regarding bank teller salaries?

In conclusion, bank teller salaries are influenced by various factors, including experience, skills, location, and job responsibilities. The average salary for bank tellers ranges from $30,000 to $35,000 annually. As bank tellers gain more experience and develop their skills, they have the potential to earn higher wages. Additionally, bank teller salaries may vary across different regions due to differences in the cost of living and demand for bank tellers.

--

--